Saints in form

St Andrews has signalled its serious contention for a Grampians Cricket Association premiership with a convincing 44-run victory against Swifts-great Western in a match that saw neither team bat out their overs.

Saints’ James Hosking was the standout in the A Grade fixture, with 31 runs and 5-23 in scores of 121 to 77.

A bright spot for the Combine was Will Clough’s hat-trick among his 3-9.

At Ararat’s Alexandra Oval, Rhymneymoyston made a firm bid for fourth position with a strong victory against rival Chalambar.

Batting first, Chalambar was dismissed for just 57 and in reply Rhymston lost only one wicket in reaching 1-58.

This win leaves Rhymston six points ahead of Chalambar.

Dan Taylor was the star of this match with 36 not-out and 4-3.

The round’s turf scores might indicate more work is needed to equalise the battle between bat and ball.

B Grade saw a double to the two Halls Gap teams, with Halls Gap overtaking the Combine for top spot, cruising to a 122run victory.

Batting first, the Gappers amassed 9-187, thanks mainly to Charlie Mcintosh, 65.

The Gappers’ bowling, led by Rickki Mcintosh’s 6-12, then shot the Combine out for just 65.

At Moyston, Rhymston2 recorded its highest score of the season, with 8-136 due to Wayne Gason’s 40.

But it wasn’t enough, with Gappers 2 replying with 4-145 and Lachy Smart, in his first game for the club, scoring 102 not-out.

This week’s scheduled A Grade matches are Rhymney-moyston v Swifts-gt Western at Alexandra Oval, Ararat, and Pomonal v Chalambar at Pomonal. St Andrews has a bye.

In B Grade, Rhymney-moyston v Halls Gap at Moyston and Halls Gap 2 v Swiftsgreat Western at Halls Gap.

This week’s matches appear to be clear cut, but as anybody who has played cricket will tell you – cricket is a funny game.

Can the Combine regain some form at Rhymston’s expense? Having lost just one game for the season, Sam Cocks and his team will be looking to maintain its position at the top of the A Grade ladder.

Rhymston will be buoyed by its victory against Chally.

Sam Cocks has not worried the scorers for the past two innings and will need to feature if the Combine is to set Rhymston a decent score.

Halls Gap should be able to maintain its winning run with victory against Rhymston 2 and the Combine travel back to Halls Gap to find some winning form.

The Grampians will travel to Donald on Sunday to play Wimmera-mallee Cricket Association in a challenge match at 12.30pm.